At TED Summer School, we believe brilliant ideas and powerful voices deserve to be heard, regardless of financial circumstances.

Our need-based financial aid programme is open to students worldwide and ensures that every motivated learner has an opportunity to join the TED Summer School.

Apply for financial aid

Why we offer financial aid

Access for all

Every talented student with a story to tell deserves a chance to take part in the TED Summer School experience.

Merit and motivation

Scholarships are based on your passion for communication, your ability to pay, and the strength of your application.

Global opportunity

Whether you join TED Summer School in person or online, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to develop and share ideas that inspire.

Who should apply?

Students who meet the following description are eligible to apply for financial aid.

Aged 15–18 (for residential programmes)
Aged 14-18 (for virtual programmes)

Requiring full or partial support to meet programme fees

Ready to share their motivation and a brief overview of their financial situation

How it works

Submit the financial aid application
Our online form should be completed by the student and their parent or legal guardian.

Our team reviews applications
We'll consider student motivation, potential and stated ability to pay.

Receive your decision
We aim to respond within a month with next steps and any award details.

What you’ll need

Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following:

Student and parent or legal guardian contact details, as well as your school and advisor details

Your preferred programme format (residential or online) and, if residential, your preferred location (London, New York or Singapore)

A motivation statement from the student

_{Motivational statement should be prepared by the student and written in English.
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You may wish to include:
- What excites you most about joining the TED Summer School
- How this experience could influence your future goals, confidence, or perspective
- Why financial support would make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

Your statement should be between 150 and 500 words.}

Basic details about your family’s financial circumstances and any external funding

_{This will be assessed on a case by case basis.
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You’ll need to provide}_one_{of the following documents, in English: a letter from your school confirming that you attend a non-fee-paying institution, or a school bill showing that you receive financial assistance or a scholarship. These are the only accepted forms of proof, so please request the correct document from your school before you apply.}

Optional: A teacher recommendation or other supporting documents to strengthen your application. All supporting documents must be in English.

Financial aid applications are reviewed on a monthly basis until programme places are filled. We encourage families to apply as early as possible for the best chance of receiving support.